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Google Lets German Gmail Users Change Their Primary Address

Preserving the old address as an alternate login, keeping Drive and Photos unchanged, the feature lets users update their visible Gmail name with less friction.

Overview

  • Google began rolling the address-change feature to German accounts on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, after testing in the United States earlier this year.
  • Users can make the change in Google Account settings under Personal information > Email > change Google account email and Gmail will show whether a new username is available.
  • The original @gmail.com address is retained in the account so messages to the old name continue to arrive and the old address cannot be claimed by another user.
  • Google says no migration of Drive or Photos data is needed and existing security measures such as two-factor authentication still protect the account.
  • The rollout is gradual, the service limits users to one change every 12 months and a maximum of three changes per account, and some third-party services may not immediately accept the new address.